Review: Dirty Dancing at the Piccadilly Theatre

Dirty Dancing

Piccadilly Theatre

Reviewed on Thursday 18th July 2013

Dirty Dancing first opened in London back in 2006 and the production went down in history for being the fastest selling West End show of all time. After a five year run, Dirty Dancing has been touring for the past few years. However, following the early closure of Viva Forever and the announcement that Jersey Boys will transfer to the Piccadilly Theatre next March, it was announced that Dirty Dancing would fill the gap between the two productions.

Dirty Dancing is a show which needs no introduction. Everybody knows the classic love story between Baby Houseman and Johnny Castle as the 1987 film is one of the greatest and most iconic movies of all time. The main problem with the stage version of Dirty Dancing is that it literally is the film on stage. Not one risk has been taken and it just does not work.

Interview: Paul-Michael Jones, currently starring as Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing

Manchester born Paul-Michael Jones is currently reprising the role of Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing at the Piccadilly Theatre, having been part of the Dirty Dancing national tour cast since 2011. 

Paul-Michael’s theatre credits include ‘Eddie’ in Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales); understudying and performing the roles of ‘Jake’ and ‘Adrian’ in Never Forget (UK tour); ‘Jack’ in Jack & The Beanstalk (Victoria Theatre, Halifax); We Will Rock You (Cologne) and dance captain in Fame – the Musical (European tour). He has also represented England as a Latin American and Ballroom Dancer, as one of the top two English couples, at The World Championships in Singapore.

I recently spoke to Paul-Michael about what it’s like following in the footsteps of Patrick Swayze, how he keeps his portrayal of Johnny fresh each night and the response he gets from crazy Dirty Dancing fans…

You’ve been starring in the touring production of Dirty Dancing for a few years now. Why have you been drawn back to play the role in the West End?

Because it’s the West End really! Even though I’ve been playing the role for two years now I still absolutely love it. People often ask me if I’m bored yet but I’m really not and to have the opportunity to play a leading role in the West End is amazing.